Ban live ammunition use at social gatherings

 Dear Editor,

I am of the firm conviction that the use of firearms in any form should be banned totally from public gatherings to curb the unfortunate inci­dents often recorded.

The sudden rise of real fire­arms, instead of the musket­ries, at public gathering should worrying to the authorities but why nothing seems to be done about it beats the imagination of all.

Some of these youth that wields these arms appear inex­perienced too, often firing in the midst of people instead of firing into the air.

This is becoming a common sight at away from at festivals, funerals and others. It is some­thing the authorities must look at critically.

I don’t need to remind people about some of the un­fortunate incidents arising out of the use of firearms during festivals and funerals.

Personally, I had an expe­rience recently in my line of duty as youth wielding guns stood very close to me and fired those guns on two occa­sions, leaving me momentarily deaf.

As we approach the season of festivals, this would be a common practice and it is im­portant for the Police Service to warn the youth to desist from that.

The chiefs and other tradi­tional authorities must also be seen joining the campaign to get rid of live ammunition from such gatherings.

Agencies like the Ministry of Local Government, Reli­gious Affairs and Chieftaincy as well as the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the security agencies must all collaborate to bring perpetuators to book.

Victor Buxton,

Tema